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The truth is that many people today are unsure of what they want or even what success means to them.

It’s time to turn the page and accept that this is chapter two in your life. If you want to make a change and start living a higher quality of life, then you must take decisive action. Success is whatever you make it to be.

Never believe that you are destined for failure while others are just lucky in all their endeavors. Everyone has control over his or her destiny, it’s just that some people are unwilling to go the distance to achieve these dreams.

What is the key to success anyway?

Before you answer this question, you have to first consider what success means to you.

Is success the same thing as money, fame or power? Is it influence over other people? Is it being the best parent possible? Or is success really the legacy you leave behind?

Step 1: Define what success means to you

The definition of success depends entirely upon you. Success doesn’t have a definition in exact parameters; rather, it is defined as “an event that accomplishes its intended purpose.” That intended purpose belongs to you.

The truth is that many people today are unsure of what they want or even what success means to them. They may define success the way that famous people describe their lifestyle. You’ve heard that Donald Trump is rich and so you may assume that he is the embodiment of success. You’ve seen your favorite movie stars perform, as well the wild adulation of their fans, and so might
assume that scenario is really successful living. This is not true.

In this case, you are visualizing success based on the activities of other people, not your own. You have to first determine what you want out of life and what makes you feel complete. Success is nothing, unless you define it for yourself.

Step 2: Start by focusing on a broad goal and then create simpler goals

You decide what success is and how you will achieve it. This is the vision that you set for yourself. Start by focusing in on a picture from the future. How do you see yourself? Are you actively involved in a career? Are you a family person or just filthy rich?

This is your broad goal, your long-term vision. This is the primary direction you are pursuing. This is something that you want and that you are willing to work hard to get.

Now that you have decided on a long-term destination, it’s time to create a path to this destination made up of short-term goals.

Make “SMART” goals instead of entertaining vague fantasies. Make your goals specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timed. Don’t worry about making your goals too easy at first. The more simple goals you complete, the more confidence you will have in tackling harder ones.
After you create your set of goals, attach a specific time frame to each one. This helps in motivating you to get started because you now have a specific date by which you ideally want to achieve each one.

Step 3: Take action

After you set your goals, you must take decisive action.

Try and feel a sense of responsibility for your list of goals. Resist putting the blame on anyone else, including this cruel world that makes dreams impossible.

It may help you say your goals out loud, affirming your resolve to carry them out.

Some procrastinators have broken their habit of putting thing off by rewarding themselves for every step achieved. Other people have enlisted the help of a friend to act as a source of positive peer pressure. Some people hire a coach or coaches to help them stay focused on the activities required to achieve their goals. When you have to report your progress or lack of progress to someone, you have a higher probability you will actually do the work required of goal achievement.

You must be committed to this task and take seriously the steps you laid out for yourself. Try and think of these commitments, not as personal wishes, but as unbreakable plans that you have made with someone else. Yes, of course, the future you! And he or she would be very disappointed if you didn’t follow through with your plans.

Step 4: Know the importance of persistence and belief

Persistence is another important principle to keep in mind, as you will need to cultivate this quality when the going gets tough.

Persistence is slightly different from commitment. Persistence is described as “continuing or repeating behavior.” Persistence helps
you keep on progressing in your life, even when obstacles arise and even when you are at your lowest ebb.

How can you learn persistence? Is it truly a learnable quality or is it a genetic gift?

Persistence is closely linked with belief. When you believe something, when you are passionate about something, you are willing to
fight for that belief. You are willing to talk enthusiastically to others about this belief. You are willing to travel across the world
for this belief. You may even be willing to die for this belief. This confidence is what allows you to stay persistent, even in the worst of times.

Continue to pursue positive influences in your life, sources that are refreshing, like supporters who say you can do it! Meanwhile, avoid sources of negativity that try and rob you of these positive feelings.

Adhering to these principles will help make you even more successful. You can believe that because, again, you determine your success.

About the Author

Anne Bachrach, The Accountability Coach, helps financial professionals work less, make more money, and enjoy a more balanced and successful life. Through her proven systems, she inspires her Advisor clients to stay focused and take action on the highest payoff activities that lead to their ultima... More